Blog

The Importance of Periodontal Treatment

Periodontal treatment in Scripps Ranch

Periodontal disease is a slow and silent condition that progresses from red, inflamed gums to bone loss and eventual tooth loss. Treated in its early stages, the process can be reversed, ensuring a full set of teeth for a lifetime.

Here, experienced San Diego area dentist Dr. Jennifer D. Santoro discusses causes and treatment options to restore health to your gums, stability to bone and roots, and confidence to your smile. Continue reading “The Importance of Periodontal Treatment”

Porcelain vs. Composite Resin Veneers

Porcelain veneers in Scripps Ranch

Veneers offer a quick and convenient way to improve the appearance of stained, misshapen, damaged or misaligned teeth. Imperfections are masked by strong, thin porcelain shields or bonded material attached to the front of your existing teeth. Below, experienced San Diego area dentist Dr. Jennifer D. Santoro outlines the benefits of porcelain and composite resin veneers, and suggests factors to consider in choosing between these two effective options. Continue reading “Porcelain vs. Composite Resin Veneers”

Protecting Your Smile With Mouth Guards

Sports and mouth guards in San Diego

Mouth guards provide an inexpensive way to protect your smile, open airways or prevent grinding during sleep, and even preserve the benefits of orthodontic treatment. This wide range of benefits is matched by a broad array of mouth guard choices. Below, trusted San Diego area dentist Dr. Jennifer D. Santoro discusses the importance of mouth guards, on and off the athletic field. Continue reading “Protecting Your Smile With Mouth Guards”

Should I Consider Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants in San Diego

Dental sealants are a great option for parents who want to protect a child’s teeth from decay during the cavity-prone years of ages 6 to 11. Sealants are thin coatings that are applied to teeth in liquid form, then hardened with light or chemical activation.

Here, experienced San Diego area dentist Dr. Jennifer D. Santoro explains how sealants can be a powerfully effective tooth defense for kids whose love of Butterfingers outweighs their passion for brushing. Continue reading “Should I Consider Dental Sealants?”

The Benefits of Early Pediatric Dental Care

Pediatric Dentistry in Scripps Ranch

Getting to know families is one of the greatest rewards of being a dentist. There’s nothing quite like watching kids progress from teeth-with-gaps grins to the broad, confident smiles of maturity. It all starts with that first time in the “big chair.”

Trusted San Diego dentist Dr. Jennifer Santoro knows that this will be a memorable day in the life of your child, and that first impressions are important. Continue reading “The Benefits of Early Pediatric Dental Care”

TMJ Disorder: Causes and Treatment

TMJ Disorder: Causes and Treatment in Scripps Ranch

Your temporomandibular joint is remarkably complex, and key to so many vital functions. To speak, eat or smile, you rely on the joint to operate efficiently. You also expect it to carry you through great meals and conversations without causing searing pain or headaches.

Those who suffer from temporomandibular joint disorder — abbreviated as TMJ, TMJD or TMD — experience severe, chronic pain that often worsens with stress. Below, experienced San Diego dentist Dr. Jennifer Santoro reviews causes and treatment options for this disabling condition. Continue reading “TMJ Disorder: Causes and Treatment”

Posted in TMJ

Full Mouth Reconstruction in Scripps Ranch

Full Mouth Reconstruction in Scripps Ranch

When the decline in a patient’s dental health is significant, a comprehensive approach is often needed to restore the function and appearance of teeth, reverse gum disease and even address issues involving the bone and jaw. Experienced San Diego area dentist Dr. Jennifer D. Santoro is skilled in full mouth reconstruction techniques that can dramatically improve the health and beauty of your smile.

Full mouth reconstruction targets serious deterioration of your oral health — teeth that are decayed, chipped, loosening or even falling out; gums that have developed deep pockets and may routinely bleed; roots that are being eaten away by gingivitis; gaps that are causing a realignment of your bite and pain in the jaw, and more. Continue reading “Full Mouth Reconstruction in Scripps Ranch”

Treating Gum Disease with Planing and Scaling

Gum Disease Treatment in Scripps Ranch

The condition of your gums has a great deal to do with how healthy your teeth will be, and how long you will have them. Experienced San Diego area dentist Dr. Jennifer D. Santoro recommends deep cleaning to eliminate plaque below the gum line, dramatically improving the health of your gums and brightening the future of your smile.

Excess plaque buildup under the gum line causes gingivitis. With this condition, gum pockets increase in volume, eventually separating the gum from the bone and creating a haven for bacteria. The bacteria eat away at the root and the bone which secures it. At some point, you may lose the affected tooth as it becomes unmoored from your jaw. Continue reading “Treating Gum Disease with Planing and Scaling”

Invisalign Orthodontic Movement Can Improve Your Smile and Oral Health

Invisalign & Braces in Scripps Ranch

It wasn’t long ago that heavy metal was a rite of passage for many teens. Not the head-banging variety, but the elaborate metalwork that adolescents flashed with each awkward smile. But now clear plastic systems created by Invisalign have changed all of that for orthodontic patients of any age.

Each clear plastic “aligner” is custom made by skilled San Diego dentist Dr. Jennifer Santoro to gradually move crooked teeth into place. Computer-assisted design makes it possible for a comfortable, nearly invisible retainer to do the work of the old metal-plus-bonding-cement approach, and do it more quickly. And each is easily removable for eating and social occasions. Continue reading “Invisalign Orthodontic Movement Can Improve Your Smile and Oral Health”